Bridgepoint takes over as Holiday Bowl sponsor

The Holiday Bowl will announce Thursday that it has a new title sponsor and a new name — the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl.

The 32-year-old college football game last changed its name in 2002, when the Pacific Life insurance company became title sponsor. The Pacific Life sponsorship expired with last year’s game and will be replaced by a multiyear deal with Bridgepoint, a for-profit higher-education company whose headquarters are in San Diego.

Bridgepoint and bowl officials declined to comment, other than to say an official announcement will be held Thursday at the Sunroad Centrum building in Kearny Mesa where Bridgepoint is located.

Terms of the deal likely will not be disclosed. Title sponsorships often range from $400,000 for middle-tier bowl games to $10 million or more annually for the Bowl Championship Series games.

Asked about its decision not to renew, Pacific Life issued a statement that said: “We wish the event continued success as they move forward with their new partner. By not renewing its sponsorship, Pacific Life is able to explore new advertising opportunities in its continuing effort to expand its brand presence.”

This year’s Holiday Bowl also will feature a new matchup.

After 11 years of matching the Pac-10 Conference runner-up against a third pick from the Big 12, the game will host the No. 3 team from the Pac-10 and a fifth pick from the Big 12 through 2013.

This year’s game at Qualcomm Stadium will kick off at 7 p.m. Dec. 30, and will air on ESPN.